Introduction
Work is a fundamental aspect of human life and a key factor in social and economic development. However, traditional definitions of work have often excluded the kinds of labor typically performed by women, such as unpaid care work and domestic tasks. From a gender perspective, it becomes clear that the concept of work needs to be redefined to reflect the realities of both men and women. This essay explores why redefining work through a gender lens is essential and supports the argument with case studies and data.
The Traditional Understanding of Work
Historically, work has been defined narrowly in economic terms—as paid employment outside the home. This definition excludes the significant contributions of women, especially in the domestic sphere. It reinforces the public-private divide where men are seen as breadwinners and women as homemakers, despite the fact that women often juggle both paid and unpaid work.
Need for Redefining Work from a Gender Perspective
1. Recognition of Unpaid Care Work
Unpaid care work includes tasks such as cooking, cleaning, child-rearing, elder care, and other household responsibilities. According to the Time Use Survey (India, 2019), women spend about 299 minutes per day on unpaid domestic services for household members compared to just 97 minutes by men.
Feminist economist Diane Elson argues that unpaid care work should be counted as part of the economy because it supports the productivity of paid workers and maintains human capital.
2. Economic Value of Domestic Work
Globally, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has estimated that if unpaid care work were assigned a monetary value, it would account for up to 9% of global GDP. In India, Oxfam (2020) estimates that women’s unpaid labor contributes nearly ₹19 lakh crore per year, which is around 20% of the GDP.
3. Inclusion of Informal Sector Work
Many women in India work in the informal economy—as street vendors, domestic workers, or agricultural laborers—but their contributions often go unrecognized. This invisibility affects policy-making and access to social protection.
Case Studies
1. Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)
SEWA is a trade union for poor, self-employed women workers in the informal sector in India. Their work in organizing women and demanding recognition for home-based workers has highlighted the need to redefine work to include informal and unpaid labor.
2. National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA)
NREGA has provisions for equal wages for men and women and mandates one-third participation for women. It also recognizes the need for childcare facilities at the worksite. These provisions represent a gender-sensitive approach to labor.
Policy Implications of Redefining Work
- Social Security: Recognizing unpaid work could allow caregivers to access pensions and health insurance.
- Data Collection: Including unpaid and informal work in national surveys would improve the visibility of women’s contributions.
- Redistribution of Labor: A broader definition of work promotes sharing of care responsibilities between men and women.
Feminist Theoretical Perspectives
Feminist scholars like Silvia Federici and Arlie Hochschild emphasize the “double burden” women carry—working both inside and outside the home. The concept of “social reproduction” highlights how unpaid domestic work is critical to the functioning of the economy.
Conclusion
Redefining work from a gender perspective is not just a matter of semantics; it is a step toward economic justice, gender equality, and better policy-making. When women’s unpaid and informal work is recognized and valued, it leads to better social protection, economic inclusion, and shared responsibilities. A gender-sensitive understanding of work is essential for building a more equitable and inclusive society.